Violoncello da Spalla Standard Plus Model I just shipped a very nice Violoncello da Spalla to its new owner in the US. This one was NON-commissioned, meaning that it was built without a specific buyer lined up. It is a fine example of my “Standard Plus” model. If I am counting right, it was my 21st Violoncello da Spalla. I will continue to make this model, as it has proven itself over the past 6 years, including demanding professional performance usage. I know exactly what I have to do to build from this pattern so as to achieve the unparalleled tone and sonority for which my instruments have become well-known. New Model Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model Build Is Underway. Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model The build that is commencing is a commissioned instrument. This new Violoncello da Spalla is being built to the specifications of a new design I wrote about fairly recently. For now, it is designated as the Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model. See: New Violoncello da Spalla Model by Donald Rickert Available for Commission The new Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model is for accomplished musicians seeking the best sounding and most playable instrument possible, as well a distinctively unique appearance. My new Violoncello da Spalla model is a departure from “traditional” violoncellos da spalla made by me and other top luthiers. It is definitely my most expensive model to date but still costs substantially less than $20K. Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model: Description and Specifications For... Continue reading

The new Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model is for accomplished musicians seeking the best sounding and most playable instrument possible, as well a distinctively unique appearance. My new Violoncello da Spalla model is a departure from “traditional” violoncellos da spalla made by me and other top luthiers. It is definitely my most expensive model to date but still costs substantially less than $20K. Note: The first Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model is being built right now as a commissioned instrument (i.e., for a specific client). It will be finished late Summer 2024. I will periodically publish construction updates with photos. The images shown are NOT photos but rather high-fidelity illustrations created by a human (NOT generative AI!). Description The new Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model represents the culmination of everything I have learned from years of designing and making tenor and baritone range bowed string instruments (octave violins, tenor and octave violas and, of course, violoncellos da spalla). One thing that all of these low-pitched instruments have in common is that they are, theoretically, too small to produce a BIG sound with excellent tone. The same is true of my travel violins and violas, which are, essentially, modern versions of Baroque pochettes (aka pocket fiddles). The overall form factor of the Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model is not simply a matter of style, although a distinctive look was a design criterion. The almost viol-like shape with “gentler” (i.e., obtuse) corners is designed to be somewhat less stiff than a standard... Continue reading

Full disclosure: I LOVE violas, especially those that are tuned like a cello (chin cello or octave viola) or like an octave violin (tenor viola). It will be of interest to anyone who currently has, or is considering acquiring, a lower-pitched viola. The Chin Cello fad Do you remember the “chin cello” fad just a few years ago. As far as I have been able to surmise, this pretty much revolved around the apparently successful marketing effort by Bellefina, a Chinese company with an Italian-sounding name, that made inexpensive large violas that were set up with octave viola strings. I recall that they even made a 5-string version. Apparently, you can still get them, at least the 4-string version, if one is to believe product listings on the usual musical instrument megastores (e.g., Musician’s Friend, Guitar Center, etc.). I, for the life of me, don’t know where they might get their strings, as the company that made the ONLY standard retail octave viola strings, went belly-up during the COVID epidemic. Those strings were marketed under the Sensicore brand by SuperSensitive. I can tell you with near absolute certainty that there are NONE of these strings left in the supply chain. The same goes for other useful strings like viola F-strings, which were generally used for 6-string and some 5-string violas. We also used them as G-strings for violoncellos da spalla. The near disappearance of Chin Cellos With the unavailability of strings, the wide-spread interest in octave violas, and even tenor... Continue reading

'Cool Instruments for Hep Cats' is a video podcast (YouTube), which delves into the realm of unusual and intriguing musical instruments. Episode 5, Part 1 just posted on April 24, 2024. It is one of three entire episodes, comprised of 11 parts, specifically about the Violoncello da Spalla. The host for all episodes is Donald Rickert, a musician and luthier as well, who makes various stringed instruments, including violoncellos da spalla. The guests for the Violoncello da Spalla episodes are: Andrew Gonzalez, a professional violist and one of the preeminent players, worldwide, of the Violoncello da Spalla (Cool Instruments for Hep Cats: Episode 5, Part 1) William Hurd is a professional violist, violoncello da spalla player and highly-respected Suzuki teacher (violin and viola) in the Washington, DC area. (Cool Instruments for Hep Cats: Episode 4, Parts 1-5) Daniela Gaidano is a violinist, violist and luthier specializing in making violoncellos da spalla. Her husband, Alessandro Visintini makes violoncellos da spalla as well. Alessandro is also a professional piccolo player. Daniela worked for the famous string maker, Aquila, where she was part-owner for 15 years. She and Alessandro are based in Northern Italy near Austria. (Cool Instruments for Hep Cats: Episode 3, Parts 1-5) Guests (Left to right: Dr. Don Rickert, Daniela Gaidano, William Hurd, Andrew Gonzalez) Cool Instruments for Hep Cats The 11 podcast segments comprise several hours of video content. That's a lot of time to sit still! So, as a service to my followers and friends, I have put... Continue reading

The video podcast (on YouTube), Cool Instruments for Hep Cats, Episode 5, Part 1 of 1 with the one and only Andrew Gonzalez has just posted. This is the first new episode in quite a while. In this one-part episode, Don Rickert and Andrew Gonzalez discuss the Violoncello da Spalla from the perspective of a professional player. Andrew Gonzalez is a violist and one of the preeminent players of the Violoncello da Spalla. Host, Don Rickert, is a musician and luthier as well, who makes various stringed instruments, including violoncellos da spalla. This will be of interest to anyone considering taking up the violoncello da spalla, as well as those who already have taken the leap. The large body of video content on YouTube and other social media featuring Andrew’s playing have inspired many. The key topics covered: What is a Violoncello da Spalla? Andrew’s discovery of the instrument a decade ago His Violoncello da Spalla journey Andrew’s quest for a good Violoncello da Spalla that he could afford Collaboration with American luthier Donald Rickert (the host of this podcast) to make him a professional performance quality instrument How the Violoncello da Spalla opened up a whole new career path How does a Violoncello da Spalla differ from a regular full-size 4-string cello? Difference in size How the instruments are held for playing Difference in sound Examples (playing demo) Use of scordatura to allow maximum use of open strings on some pieces Note: the podcast was conducted remotely, meaning that... Continue reading

Looking for the best prices ever on high-end bespoke instruments, especially: Violoncellos da Spalla Octave Violins Tenor and Octave Violas Travel Violins and Violas To find out more about the instruments I build, see: Don Rickert Musician Shop. “Buyers’ Market” means that it is exceeding hard for makers to sell their stuff to buyers. That is the way it is currently in the realm of bespoke musical instruments. So, it is time for a sale, right? Makers of custom things, such as violins and such, don’t do sales; rather, we lower base prices, offer attractive terms, and such. So, ATTENTION! Prices on the instruments that I design and make are now as low as they are EVER going to be. Actually, I have recently already posted announcements about new lower pricing. FYI, See: Travel Violins and Violas: Don't Miss Out on Substantial Trade-in Offer It’s Travel Violin (and Viola) Time 2024! Violoncellos da Spalla by Donald Rickert (Update Feb. 2024) Violoncello da Spalla and Tenor Viola Available for Sale Right Now! Special Pricing for a Violoncello da Spalla (Standard Model) and a Tenor Viola (additional information for prior article) I do have several instruments, which are not commissions, and are ready to ship. I look forward to talking to you about what you are looking for, at least with regards to musical instruments. Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. Email: [email protected] Phone (in US): 706-896-0909... Continue reading

Recently I posted two articles on our newest models of Travel Violins and Violas. See: Travel Violins and Violas: Don't Miss Out on Substantial Trade-in Offer It's Travel Violin (and Viola) Time 2024! In both of the aforementioned posts, I said that we would give a substantial trade-in for several popular travel violins by other makers towards the purchase of one of my travel violins or violas. There is little that I can do with these cheaper trade-in instruments, other than re-sell them at fiddlers' conventions and such. Don't need ANY more, but would still love to put one my instruments instruments in your hands. If you are interested in the trade-in offer, you have until March 31, 2024. That is a week from the publication of this post. I should mention that I have tweaked Ranger IV Travel Violin so that it fits into the smallest diameter case ever without sacrificing the great playability and sound. The width and depth dimensions have been trimmed a bit and the headstock geometry has been adjusted to accomplish this. If you want to know more I can tell you all about it. Give us a call now and save some serious money, like up to $500! Phone: 706-896-0909, email: [email protected]. Continue reading

Introduction If you want to do anything with a viola, such as use it to play anything other than classical orchestral music, good luck finding a luthier who has ANY clue about what you are talking about. There are a few of us, but not many. If you are a member of the growing sub-culture of alternatively-tuned viola players, or even standard violas used for playing Old-Time, Bluegrass, Celtic, Jazz or Rock, you know what I am talking about. Well, we are here to listen to your tales of woe, and even provide a helping hand. We do alternative violas! In my 50+ years as a fiddler, I have always had a special place in my heart for violas. At an earlier point in life, I actually did get a little bit of formal viola training, I found that I was just not that interested in using a viola to play typical viola parts. Early on, I started acquiring violas to more or less use as big fiddles. I found that tuning violas like octave violins (G2 D3 A3 E4) best served my musical adventures. I also became interested in octave violas, or “chin cellos” as they are often called. And, then, there are the 5-string violas, which are essentially brawnier versions of 5-string fiddles, and can be tuned all sorts of ways to suit your musical interests. Here are some tunings, all of which I have experimented with over the years. Like a 5-string fiddle (C3 G3 D4 A4... Continue reading

In a very recent post, I mentioned that we would take a Cricket Travel Violin or a Wiplstix as a trade-in ($500 for the Cricket, $300 for the Wiplstix) for one of my newest travel violin or travel viola models. See: It’s Travel Violin (and Viola) Time 2024! Our trade-in allowance is not that much lower than the purchase price for the Cricket and Wiplstix. The trade-in can apply to either a Ranger IV Travel Violin OR an International Travel Violin OR a Ranger IV Travel Viola in any size (15" to 16,5"). Note that there is not yet a separate product listing for the travel violas, but I am working on that. Some have already heard the call! People are taking us up on the Cricket/Wiplstix trade-in program. We only need so many of these instruments; actually, don’t need any at all, so this trade-in offer’s days are numbered. Now might be the time to step up to a true luthier-built travel violin If you are thinking about it, now might be the time to think faster. Give us a call: 706-896-0909, email: [email protected]. Continue reading

Special Trade-In Offer! For a limited time: $500 trade-in for a Cricket Travel Violin or $300 for a Wiplstix. Contact Info. Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. Email: [email protected] Phone (in US): 706-896-0909 or 706-400-1481 (mobile) What is a travel violin or travel viola? 18th Century Pochette A modern travel violin has a full 13” (like a 4/4 violin) playable string length, but has a narrower body in the 1.75” to 4” range. Modern travel violins look much like their ancestors, 18th Century pochettes. The smaller body affords the use of an easily-portable tubular case. Also, modern travel violins are built to be far more durable than regular violins. Why do I say that it is travel violin season? Because Springtime is close. In the Spring and Summer months, we sell a lot of travel violins and travel violas, standard offerings as well as completely custom instruments. The main reason for this is simple: people do a lot more outdoor adventure activities during the warmer months. Travel fiddles are in their element in the outdoors. The reason I mention the timing issue is that almost every year, I have to turn down potential travel violin orders because there is insufficient available lead time. So, if you are planning on taking one of my instruments with you on a trip, leave enough time for me to make it. It usually takes about 5 weeks. Why would... Continue reading

Contact Info. Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. Email: [email protected] Phone (in US): 706-896-0909 or 706-400-1481 (mobile) What is an Octave Violin? An octave violin or octave fiddle, if you like, is a specially-designed or modified violin that is set up for and uses specifically-designed larger diameter strings and is tuned an octave lower (G2 to E4) than a violin in standard configuration (G3 to E5). The numbers after a note name refer to its octave vis-à-vis middle C, which is C4. With a few exceptions, the lowest note on any musical instrument is somewhere around C0. Most adult humans cannot even hear notes that low. An octave violin is played like a regular violin, as it usually has the same critical ergonomic dimensions as a standard violin. The most significant of these dimensions are a body that is about 14 inches long (give or take) and a playable string length of about 13 inches. For a far more detailed discussion of Octave Violins and related instruments, see: Octave Violins, Tenor Violas and Related Instruments from Donald Rickert What is a Tenor Viola? A “tenor viola” is our name for a viola-sized octave violin; in other words, a viola tuned like an octave violin (G2 to E4). Please note that, historically, tenor viola referred to various large violas, usually tuned lower than a regular viola. Today, tenor violas need not be larger than regular violas.... Continue reading

Note: This is an update to an earlier article entitled, Octave Violins, Octave Violas and Hybrids from Don Rickert Musical Instruments. With a current introduction of several new Octave Violins underway, this post is a good resource for one wanting some details on what octave violins and similar instruments (e.g. tenor violas) are, where they originated, and what they are good for. At the end of this UPDATE post there are a number of video links. To see product descriptions for two current models at the Don Rickert Musician Shop, see: NEW Octave Violin by Donald Rickert NEW Tertis Body Tenor Viola (one octave lower than violin) 15.5 inch body size Note: The NEW Octave Violin listed above will soon be renamed "Double-Fat Strad Octave Violin", referring to its traditional Strad form factor, but with very deep (40 mm) (i.e. "FAT") ribs. Product listings for a new entry-level Performer Octave Violin (about $2K) and a new high-end Artist Master-Built Octave Violin (about $8.5K) will be available soon. If you want to know more about any of these instruments, feel free to call. Contact Info. Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. Email: [email protected] OR [email protected] Phone (in US): 706-896-0909 or 706-400-1481 (mobile) Introduction Darol Anger and Vasen w/ Rickert Octaves In 2006, one of the first things we at D. Rickert Musical Instruments set out to do is to design and build the best acoustic octave... Continue reading

Update Intro: This is an update to an earlier article entitled, Do You Really Need a Violoncello da Spalla? Since publication of the original post, much has changed with respect to the instrument alternatives, including cost and variety. For example, I have rolled back prices to 2021 level on the popular Violoncello da Spalla Standard Model. See: Violoncellos da Spalla by Donald Rickert (Update Feb. 2024). We are now once again offering a decent factory-made entry-level Violoncello da Spalla for a base price of about $2,500. A new higher-end Artist Master-Built Model will be available soon as well. When it comes to octave violins, we now offer three models, starting at less than $2,500. Contact Info. Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. Email: [email protected] OR [email protected] Phone (in US): 706-896-0909 or 706-400-1481 (mobile) Introduction You might find it strange that I am asking this question. After all, I am a luthier who makes violoncellos da spalla. Should I not just be happy when someone wants me to make one for them? Caveats Before you read this, you need to know the following: I am not playing “devil’s advocate” here. I am quite serious in asking the question. I am not a violoncello da spalla “hater” or even a violoncello da spalla skeptic. I do not care whether or not J.S. Bach actually had a hand in the invention of the violoncello da spalla or whether... Continue reading

Contact Info. Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. Email: [email protected] OR [email protected] Phone (in US): 706-896-0909 or 706-400-1481 (mobile) Update: I am rolling back the price for my Violoncello da Spalla Standard Model to its 2021 price! Recent instruments have sold for more than $13,000. No secret reason; it is all about what "the Market" wants. The new retro price is what is was in 2021: $10,600, with a substantial discount for paying up front ($9,500). A new higher-end Artist Master-Built Model will be available soon as well. Also, we will once-again be offering a very usable factory-made entry level Violoncello da Spalla for about $2,500. See: NEW Violoncello da Spalla Basic Model by D. Rickert. All adjustments and setup are done in our workshop in the North Georgia Mountains. Many affordable upgrades are available as well, such as a hand-made Baroque figured maple-clad spruce-core fingerboard and matching Baroque tailpiece. Note: I know for a fact that some enthusiasts seeking a less expensive instruments have spent more than that on converted child's fractional size cellos and almost as much on seemingly budget priced eBay instruments, once the proper strings are purchased and necessary lutherie work to make them playable is done! I even know of people who tried to build their own, but still own a very expensive pile of wood. I understand, as that is how I got into lutherie, the ability to make... Continue reading

Update: Since the original publication of this post, we have rolled pricing for my standard Violoncello da Spalla l to 2021 pricing, about $10K. This is about $3,000 less than the special pricing described below. As of today, March 2, 2024, we still have a Tenor Viola (tuned G2 to E4, like an Octave Violin) for the price of $3,500. The only reason for the price reduction is that it has been lovingly pre-owned and refurbished to better than new condition. Original Post: I recently announced that I have a newly-built Violoncello da Spalla and a refurbished Tenor Viola for sale. In that announcement, I mentioned special pricing, $13,500 for the Violoncello da Spalla and $3,500 for the Tenor Viola. Why the special pricing? A basic reason has a little bit to do with the competitive landscape. Quite simply, there are too many luthiers selling what amounts to their student projects as master-level instruments, often at attractively low prices. This is especially true in the world of niche instruments like violoncellos da spalla. This confuses those looking for an instrument and diverts business away from experienced makers. Competing on price is, in the end, a fool’s errand; however, a reasonable discount as a “nudge” is OK. Different reasons for each of the two instruments The Violoncello da Spalla The Violoncello da Spalla for sale is a nice example of my “Standard Model” in terms of workmanship, playability and, especially sound. It has a dramatically-flamed maple over spruce Baroque fingerboard and... Continue reading

Update: Since the original publication of this post, we have rolled pricing for my standard Violoncello da Spalla l to 2021 pricing, about $10K. This is about $3,000 less than the special pricing described below. As of today, March 2, 2024, we still have a Tenor Viola (tuned G2 to E4, like an Octave Violin) for the price of $3,500. The only reason for the price reduction is that it has been lovingly pre-owned and refurbished to better than new condition. Original Post: Due to the bespoke nature of my practice, I generally do not have instruments hanging around that are ready to ship. Due to repeated resolutions that I have made to “get ahead of the game”, I presently do have two very nice tenor/baritone range instruments that are ready to ship. The first is a very nice example of my Violoncellos da Spalla (“Standard Plus” model). The other is a refurbished 4-string Octave Viola (i.e., tuned like a cello; sometimes called a “chin cello”) that I made a few years back. It is now set up as a Modern Tenor Viola, meaning that it is tuned a 4th lower than a viola, which is the same as an Octave Violin. You can also think of it as a large viola-sized Octave Violin, or even an Octave Violin on steroids! The Violoncello da Spalla The Tenor Viola This is a rare opportunity! If you have been looking, you know that the wait time for a commissioned violoncello da spalla... Continue reading

Contact Info. Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. Email: [email protected] Phone (in US): 706-896-0909 or 706-400-1481 (mobile) I am posting this article to provide more information to potential buyers of a Tenor (G2 D3 A3 E4) or, optionally, Octave-tuned (C2 G2 D3 A3) Viola that I am currently selling. It will be of interest to anyone who currently has, or is considering acquiring, a lower-pitched viola. Introduction Do you remember the “chin cello” fad just a few years ago. As far as I have been able to surmise, this pretty much revolved around the apparently successful marketing effort by Bellefina, a Chinese company with an Italian-sounding name, that made inexpensive large violas that were set up with octave viola strings. I recall that they even made a 5-string version. Apparently, Bellefina still makes them, at least the 4-string version. The going street price at the usual online discount megastores (e.g., Musician’s Friend, Guitar Center, etc.) is currently about $829us. I have no idea what type of strings these instruments for sale currently could use. Keep reading for more about this. Chin Cellos There is even a “Chincello Society” Facebook page self-described as “A community of string players dedicated to the advancement and promotion of the Chincello instrument”. This appears to be a marketing site for a company called Prodigio Strings, who apparently offered octave tuned violas costing even less than the Bellafina ChinCellos. There has... Continue reading

Contact Info. Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. Email: [email protected] Phone (in US): 706-896-0909 or 706-400-1481 (mobile) Update: My original schedule for making this exciting new instrument available turned out to be over-optimistic, but it is definitely on its way very soon! Quite simply, unless I have commission for which I am being paid, it is hard to divert attention away from current paid commissions to develop a completely new instrument from scratch, but I HAVE managed to do it. Introduction New Violoncello da Spalla by Donald Rickert This post is more or less a pre-announcement, with a more detailed description and design rationale soon to follow. As of right now I am offering an exciting new model of Violoncello da Spalla. This new Violoncello da Spalla is for accomplished musicians seeking the best sounding and most playable instrument possible and a distinctive unique appearance. I have not yet decided what to call it, as in what its model name will be. My current Violoncello da Spalla models, which I call the ‘Standard’ and ‘Standard Plus’, will continue to be available for commission. My existing Violoncello da Spalla models are based on a traditional plan similar to the familiar 1732 “Hoffman” violoncello da spalla in appearance. Andrew Gonzalez on Vioncello da spalla by Don Rickert The “Hoffman” pattern, or something similar, is what you see in virtually all videos and images of violoncellos da spalla... Continue reading

An Opportunity that is Too Good to Ignore Here is a great opportunity for you if you have been dragging your feet on commissioning a violoncello da spalla from a top luthier based in the US. That would be Southeastern US if you want to be specific; Northeast Georgia to be even more specific. I have established a great reputation as a maker of "unusual" instruments such as octave violins and modern travel violins and violas, but especially unique Baroque period instruments such as violas d'amore, pochettes, baroque violins and violoncellos da spalla. If you have followed any of my social media, you know that I have made more violoncellos da spalla than most luthiers; 20 to be exact. My “spallas” are played by some of the preeminent players in the world, including Andrew Gonzalez and William Hurd, as well other professional musicians who play it as secondary instrument. Many highly-accomplished amateurs as well. Videos of my instruments being played are plentiful and easy to find on the web. You can see many of these in one place if you are interested, as well as several image galleries. You can see my instruments with a wide variety of varnish treatments and some of the possibilities for real Baroque fingerboards and tailpieces; from plain to ornamented. You can also see and hear my instruments being played (and discussed) in a recent episode of the podcast (the YouTube version), ‘Cool Instruments for Hep Cats’, and an upcoming episode as well. All I... Continue reading

Cool Instruments for Hep Cats Our new podcast, ‘Cool Instruments for Hep Cats’ launched in March, 2023. It is available as an audio podcast, currently only on Spotify. It is also available in video format on YouTube. In “Cool Instruments for Hep Cats”, we delve into the fascinating realm of unusual and intriguing musical instruments, the people who make them, the people who play them and the music they create. See my earlier article, ‘Our New Podcast and YouTube Channel, Cool Instruments for Hep Cats’. If you wish to discuss anything covered in this article, see Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. New Episode Episode 4 of ‘Cool Instruments for Hep Cats’ is now available. YouTube: @Cool_Instruments_for_Hep_Cats Spotify: The audio version of the ‘Cool Instruments for Hep Cats’ podcast on Spotify: Episode 4 focuses on the Violoncello da Spalla from the perspective of a player who is also a violin and viola teacher (Suzuki Method) The episode continues the Violoncello da Spalla theme of Episode 3 with luthier and musician Daniela Gaidano. Episode 4 features William Hurd. Will is a violist with the Air Force Strings, The United States Air Force Band. He is also a Suzuki teacher (violin and viola) in Washington, DC. Will has a unique perspective on the violoncello da spalla, as he uses it extensively in his teaching of violin and viola students. Episode 4 of Cool Instruments for Cool Cats... Continue reading

This article is an update to a similar article published about a year earlier. If you really care to see the original article, see: What Makes the Difference Between Pretty Good and Great Acoustic Stringed Instruments? If you wish to discuss anything covered in this article, see Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. Introduction Before I start, what are the criteria for judging the sound quality of musical instruments? I hope that the reader can agree that this is largely subjective, and often, culturally relative. For example, take the case of the octave mandolin and an "Irish" bouzouki (to differentiate it from a "Greek" bouzouki). Protests by enthusiasts notwithstanding, they are variants of the same instrument and can certainly be tuned in the same way. But an Irish bouzouki player might describe an octave mandolin as a bouzouki that is too "bassy" and/or "sounds too much like a guitar". On the other hand an octave mandolin enthusiast might describe a bouzouki as a thin and tinny-sounding version of a good octave mandolin, as well as having a scale length that is too long. The point here is that the attribution of "good" or "bad" with respect to the sound of large lower-pitched mandolin-like instruments is very subjective and arbitrary, and based on expectations set by many decades of recordings by influential artists. There exist many other comparisons between the sound of superficially similar instruments, such... Continue reading

Tap-tuning is an art (grounded in science) that is shrouded in mystery. While some luthiers tap-tune only by ear, computer-assisted tap tuning allows the luthier to actually see a computer-generated frequency spectrum graph when muting a specific spot on the plate (e.g., top or back). Computer-assisted tap tuning has only been possible for a few decades. Until very recently, it was too expensive for most luthiers, as the software required used to cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Finding the correct spot to mute, the right place to tap and the right place to record the tap tone is way beyond our scope here. If there is any interest in an article about the details of tap-tuning, leave a comment or contact me. Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. There are known “ideal” fundamentals (i.e., note perceived by the human listener) for most general types and sizes of instruments. For instance, a commonly recommended fundamental for an unattached violin top with the bass bar installed is F4. That is F above middle C (i.e. C4). The fundamental, which shows as a peak on a frequency spectrum graph, among other things, is a proxy measure for flexibility/strength of the plate. The thinner the plate the lower the pitch of the fundamental, and more importantly, its propensity amplify string vibrations, especially the lower frequencies. Tap-tuning is an iterative cycle of tapping-recording-analyzing-thinning the plate. With this real-time information,... Continue reading

This is an update to a article that originally appeared several months ago (Spring 2023). See New Violoncello da Spalla Builds Underway: Now Might Be the Time If you wish to discuss anything covered in this article, see Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. New Content Since I started making Violoncellos da Spalla in 2017, I have made 20 or so. My violoncellos da spalla are highly-regarded and are played by some of the preeminent musicians performing on the instrument today. Many committed amateurs as well. Contrary to any reasonable predictions, the COVID-19 lockdown period was very busy for us with respect to violoncellos da spalla. Post-pandemic, I am busier making other instruments, such as mezzo violins, octave mandolins, travel violins and violas. I am keen to resume making 6 to 8 violoncellos da spalla a year. That is what marketing is for. Yes, this is marketing! Keeping the above in mind, I am convinced that will be in a slow period for makers of high-end musical instruments, violoncellos da spalla included, for a good while. I estimate that, of the population of enthusiasts who think that they want a violoncello da spalla, maybe 2% are actually willing to spend the money to have one made. If you are one of those 2%, I would love to discuss. For the rest, I think that I may have two solutions: Detailed plans and building instructions for... Continue reading

Not too long ago I published an article about an interview I had with Strings Magazine about Baroque pochettes, aka 'pocket fiddles'. See: Donald Rickert is In the March/April 2023 Issue of Strings Magazine I summarized the Strings article, as it was then only available in print. It is now available in a digital edition. I am pretty certain that you can read the digital version free of charge. The link works for me, but I am a Strings Magazine subscriber. Feel free to post an angry comment. If I am wrong, mea culpa! See: The Tiny Pochette Violin Made Constant Travel a Breeze for Dance Masters of the 18th Century I think that the Strings article has been good for business, as I have now made three Ranger IV Travel Violins and one Ranger IV Travel Viola this year, which is more than I usually make in a year. The Ranger IV Travel Violins and Travel Violas are basically Baroque pochettes on steroids, as they make use of principles that have been learned in the past 250 years, and use modern strings. They also have chin rests and removable shoulder rests, not to mention modern Wittner geared tuning pegs. Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. Our Podcast, 'Cool Instruments for Hep Cats' YouTube (video version): https://www.youtube.com/@Cool_Instruments_for_Hep_Cats/podcasts Spotify (audio version): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cool-instruments-hep-cats Continue reading

Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. About: Cool Instruments for Hep Cats podcast, Episode 3, with luthier Daniela Gaidano on the Violoncello da Spalla is available NOW on YouTube and Spotify. Host is Dr. Donald Rickert. Daniela Gaidano is a violinist, violist and luthier specializing in making violoncellos da spalla. She worked for the famous string maker, Aquila, where she was part-owner for 15 years. She is based in Northern Italy near Austria. Host, Don Rickert, is a musician and luthier as well, who makes various stringed instruments, including violoncellos da spalla. Links: YouTube (video version, in 5 parts): https://www.youtube.com/@Cool_Instruments_for_Hep_Cats/podcasts Spotify (audio version): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cool-instruments-hep-cats Just information – NO marketing!: I am not against marketing. After all, if you make things, you have to find ways of telling potential buyers about what you do. There is a time and place for sales pitches, self-promotion and such. I mean, this post is marketing for the podcast when you think about it. The ‘Cool Instruments for Hep Cats” podcast is just NOT the time or the place for self-promotion and marketing. It is more than one hour of just really interesting information and informed opinion. The podcast is also a politics free zone. But it is a positive energy zone! Check out also… Episodes 1 and 2 (audio versions), with Dr. Roger Landes, are available on Spotify. Episode 2 (video version) is available on YouTube. Note: Episode 1 was audio... Continue reading